Patriots May Have to Write ‘Blank Check’ to Keep Breakout Star

New England Patriots‘ linebacker Matthew Judon might not be a general manager, but he made a bold prediction about safety Kyle Dugger’s financial future with the team during a post-game press conference on New Year’s Day. And if the Pro Bowl pass rusher is as skilled at assessing teammates as he is at defeating offensive tackles, the Patriots should prepare to pay up to retain the breakout star.

“I think you’re going to have to write Kyle a blank check,” Judon said following New England’s week 17, 23-21 win against the Miami Dolphins, where Dugger provided a critical pick-six. “That’s how good he is right there. Just for him to get that interception and then turn it into offense, that’s a one-man band.”

Delivering big plays has been a consistent theme this season for the third-year defensive back. In New England’s week 15 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, Dugger intercepted a screen pass and returned it 19 yards for the team’s first touchdown.

The 2020 second-round pick also scored on a 59-yard fumble return during a week 5 shutout against the Detroit Lions. And while Dugger’s breakout campaign did not lead to a Pro Bowl berth, Kendrick Bourne said his younger teammate deserved the honor.

“Kyle is very elite,” the veteran wide receiver told MassLive’s Mark Daniels. “Just so much awareness. The way he runs the ball–it’s kind of crazy. He has more touchdowns than some offensive guys. He’s been playing at a Pro Bowl level all year. I think he should be a Pro Bowler.”

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Kyle Dugger Has Set Himself Up to Sign a Lucrative Second Contract

After entering the league as a small-school prospect who had to prove he could go up against superior competition, Dugger has developed into one of the Patriots’ top playmakers. With 228 tackles, seven interceptions, and 13 passes defended in 43 career games, the former Lenoir-Rhyne standout has cemented his place as a key building block in New England.

With only one year remaining on his rookie deal, the big-bodied safety could become one of the highest-paid players at his position in the near future. Derwin James currently leads the way with an average annual salary of $19.1 million, followed by Minkah Fitzpatrick ($18.4 million) and Jamal Adams ($17.7 million).

Dugger’s next contract may not put him above that trio, but he may see a sizable increase from the $1.75 million salary he’s scheduled to make in 2023.

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Patriots Have Several Other Players Who Need New Deals

Dugger isn’t the only starter with a contract situation that needs to be addressed.

What will the team do with Jakobi Meyers? The reliable receiver may not be a star, but he has been an integral member of the offense since 2020.

Will Meyers sign an extension and continue catching passes from Mac Jones? Or will Belichick let the solid-but-unspectacular player take his talents elsewhere?

Will impending free agents Devin McCourty and Jonathan Jones still call New England home? Or will the two key components of the team’s secondary find themselves wearing different uniforms in 2023?

With so many decisions yet to be made, New England’s roster could look significantly different next season.

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